Cleaning old golf clubs can help restore their appearance and performance, and extend their lifespan. Here are some steps to follow when cleaning your old golf clubs:
Gather the necessary tools and materials: You will need a bucket, mild dish soap, warm water, a soft-bristled brush, a towel, and a metal cleaner/polish.
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Mix the solution well.
Submerge the golf clubs in the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or grime that has accumulated on the clubs.
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the clubheads, shafts, and grips. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can scratch the finish on the clubs.
Dry the clubs with a towel, making sure to remove all moisture from the clubheads, shafts, and grips.
If the clubs have any rust or discoloration, use a metal cleaner/polish to remove it. Apply the cleaner/polish to a clean cloth and rub it onto the affected areas of the clubs. Follow the instructions on the cleaner/polish to ensure you are using it correctly.
Once you have finished cleaning and polishing your golf clubs, store them in a dry place to prevent rust or other damage.
If you don’t have a soft-bristled brush, you can use an old toothbrush instead. Just make sure that the bristles are not too hard, as this can damage the clubs.
To remove stubborn dirt or grime, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas of the clubs and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
For clubs with leather grips, you should avoid getting them too wet, as this can damage the leather. Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the grips clean.
If your clubs have wooden heads, be careful not to get them too wet, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the heads clean.
To remove rust from your clubs, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
After cleaning your clubs, you can apply a protective coating to help prevent future damage. For metal clubs, you can use a metal wax or polish. For wooden clubs, you can use a wood conditioner or oil.
If you’re unsure about how to clean a particular type of club, check the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional.
Additional Tips:
Cleaning iron clubs: For iron clubs, you can use a wire brush to remove any dirt or rust from the clubheads. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the clubs too much. You can also soak the clubheads in a mixture of vinegar and water for a few minutes to help remove any rust. After cleaning, dry the clubs thoroughly with a towel.
Cleaning putters: For putters, you can use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the clubhead and shaft. Avoid using any harsh chemicals that can damage the finish. For brass or copper putters, you can use a mixture of salt and lemon juice to help remove any tarnish.
Cleaning woods: For wooden clubs, you should avoid getting them too wet, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the clubheads and shafts clean. You can also use a wood cleaner or oil to help protect the wood and restore its natural shine.
Cleaning hybrids and drivers: For hybrid and driver clubs, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the clubheads and shafts. Avoid using any abrasive materials that can scratch the surface of the clubs. You can also use a metal cleaner or polish to help restore the shine to the clubheads.
Cleaning grips: For rubber or synthetic grips, you can use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to clean the grips. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the grips, then rinse with clean water and dry with a towel. For leather grips, you can use a damp cloth to wipe the grips clean. Avoid getting the leather too wet, as this can damage it.
Simple Cleaning Techniques
Technique
Ingredients
Method
Time required
Frequency
Soap and water
Mild soap and warm water
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe the clubs clean. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
30 minutes
Once a month
Vinegar
White vinegar and warm water
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Soak the clubs for 30 minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
30 minutes
Once every 3 months
Baking soda
Baking soda and water
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the clubs and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water. Dry with a towel.
15 minutes
Once a year
Toothpaste
Toothpaste and water
Apply toothpaste to the clubs and scrub with a brush. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
15 minutes
Once every 6 months
WD-40
WD-40 spray
Spray WD-40 on the clubs and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wipe the clubs with a cloth and dry with a towel.
15 minutes
Once a year
Advanced Cleaning Techniques
Technique
Ingredients
Method
Time required
Frequency
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning solution
Fill an ultrasonic cleaning tank with the solution and submerge the clubs for 3-5 minutes. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
5 minutes
Once every 6 months
Sandblasting
Sandblasting machine and abrasive media
Load the abrasive media in the sandblasting machine and blast the clubs. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
Create a sodium carbonate solution in a bucket and add a steel plate. Submerge the clubs and connect the positive lead of the charger to the plate and the negative lead to the clubs. Turn on the charger and let it run for 30 minutes. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
30 minutes
Once every 5 years
Acid Bath
Muriatic acid and water
Mix muriatic acid and water in a bucket. Submerge the clubs for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with water and neutralize the acid with baking soda. Rinse again with water and dry with a towel.
30 minutes
Once every 10 years
Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaning solution
Soak the clubs in the solution for 24-48 hours. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.
